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Images of children dressed as their "hero" Pope Francis have melted the hearts of many Italians. But when the pontiff finally met one of his miniature selves on Wednesday the meeting didn't exactly go according to plan.

Since Pope Francis was elected pope one year ago, he has enjoyed increasing popularity all over the world.

Now the pontiff has become a source of inspiration for the latest must-have costume for the annual Carnival celebrations, which mark the period before lent.

Just last Sunday, a boy in full papal costume was photographed walking with his mother walking in the Vatican.

The photograph, which was published on the ‘Associazione Nazionale Papaboys’ Facebook page, was widely circulated on Facebook, Twitter and in the Italian press.